General News

A Musical Tribute to George Gershwin: Featuring Songs of Gershwin and His Friends by Les Block, Pianist and Producer with Heidi Ziman, Singer

Les Block has produced musical shows honoring Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, and Irving Berlin. Les has interviewed music legends for a radio program tribute to Johnny Mercer. He currently sings and plays piano at cabaret evenings and performs with singing partner Heidi Ziman for residents of retirement and nursing homes.

Singer Heidi Ziman is a performer’s performer, bringing stunning energy and mischievous humor to her work. She is also a cabaret artist who loves to perform in intimate settings where she can have strong rapport with her audience.

Les and Heidi have performed for Or Emet twice before, featuring Jewish contributions to the great American songbook. In this program, they will show how George Gershwin made major contributions through his own compositions and also through his generous support of other great songwriters.

A short Humanistic Jewish Sabbath service will precede the program, which is free and open to the public. An Oneg Shabbat reception will follow. Donations are especially welcome.

On March 31 at 5-8 pm, Or Emet’s potluck Passover Seder will be held at The First Unitarian Society, 900 Mt. Curve Avenue, Mpls, MN 55403

Or Emet’s Seder celebrates Passover with a Humanistic Jewish service led by Eva Cohen, Rabbinic Candidate and Ritual Leader. We read from a Humanist Haggadah, which includes both the legendary tale of the exodus from Egypt and modern Jewish exodus stories. Children from the Jewish Cultural School, adults and families all share in the festivities.

Or Emet members and visitors are invited to join us for a meal of traditional Passover foods, roast turkey, and vegetarian alternatives. Everyone contributes to the potluck. Since Passover originated as an agricultural festival of unleavened bread and later a celebration of freedom and renewal, we request only unleavened food contributions.

Registration is March 14 until March 28 (or until maximum number is reached). Reservations are required, capacity is limited, and members receive priority. If interested in attending, send email with contact information to seder@oremet.org.

This event is planned, organized, and staffed by volunteers so we depend on people pitching in to help. Please sign-up to help with tasks such as welcoming, arranging table place settings, helping with food and the buffet, cleanup.

Recommended Fees

Members – $10 per family $5 for individual attendees; Visitors – $15 for adults/teens; $10 for children 5-13 yrs; free for children under 5 years; $50 family maximum. Additional donations are welcome!

Join us for a Hanukkah Party on Saturday, December 12, 2017, from 5:00 to 7:30 pm at Wellstone Center’s Neighborhood House (179 Robie St East, St. Paul, MN 55107). The evening will include a light potluck meal featuring potato latkes, a Hanukkah blessing, and candle-lighting. Along with special entertainment by children in Or Emet’s Jewish Cultural School we will have dreidels, gelt, and music.

➢Mitten Menorah Bring mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, warm socks and other winter wear to hang on the Menorah. Items will be collected for a local organization serving low income children.

No fees are collected. Everyone contributes to the potluck and is encouraged to help with the party.

Space is limited and reservations are required from December 1st until December 13th. If interested in attending, please email signup@oremet.org.

The High Holidays open the Jewish year with the most important message of Jewish history: human dignity is not the gift of destiny; it is a human achievement, requiring courage and self-reliance. Only human will and intelligence can tame the environment, making it less terrifying and conducive to happiness. While some things are beyond our control, others may be conquerable.

Erev Rosh Hashanah – Wednesday, September 20 at 7 pm

Tashlich Rosh Hashanah – Thursday, September 21 at 10:30 am (at a member home). Reservations are required. If interested in attending, contact highholidays@oremet.org.

Kol Nidre – Friday, September 29 at 7 pm

Yom Kippur – Saturday, September 30 at 4 pm

Break-the-fastat conclusion of the Yom Kippur service. A light dairy break-fast will be provided by Or Emet. Reservations are required by September 25. RSVP at breakfast.oremet.org. Suggested donations are: $5 adults, $3, free for children 3-13 years old.